Limnodynastes spenceri
Copyright © J Dale Roberts
Distribution map
Distribution Map of Limnodynastes spenceri
Copyright © Hal Cogger
Status
IUCN Classification:
Not listed
(International Union for Conservation of Nature)
Bioregion occurrence:
(this is not a distribution map)
State occurrence:
Links
- Spencer's Frog
Northern Territory Frog Database entry on Limnodynastes spenceri
Search on this family or genus
Limnodynastes spenceri
Family: Myobatrachidae
Common names: Desert Burrowing Frog; Spencer's Burrowing Frog; Spencer's Frog
Description: This frog has a wide range of colours and markings. It can vary from dark brown above to pale grey, with dark irregular markings. There is often a butterfly or U-shaped light patch on the back behind the eyes. The legs and arms are barred or spotted with dark markings and the belly is white and smooth. The skin on the back has small warts and the toes are half webbed.
Size: 50 mm
Habitat: This burrowing frog lives in sandy creeks and rivers.
Call: Sounds like a rapid "ho-ho-ho-ho" - with the 'o' as it is in cot.
Breeding: Occurs after heavy rain.
Eggs: Are laid in a foam nest but the foam breaks down with 24 hours leaving the eggs in a thin layer at the water surface.
Tadpoles: Can complete their development in 40 days.
Similar species: This frog can be distinguished from Limnodynastes ornatus by the extra webbing between its toes and the higher number of notes in its call (one in L. ornatus).
Conservation Information
Suspected threatening processes
- None stated
Population size: An estimate of the total number of adults present in the species entire range is >50000 individuals. Factors affecting population size and distribution are unknown or unsubstantiated.
Population trend in Australia over the past 50 years: Population size stable or suspected to be stable or increasing.
Knowledge of population trend in Australia: Not currently monitored.
Population concentration: Not known to concentrate or exist in discrete locations. (e.g. the number of sites in which individuals group together either seasonally, such as breeding sites, or they may occupy discrete habitat patches within the broader landscape, such as discrete water bodies or drainage units.)
Ongoing management activities in Australia: None directed primarily at the taxon.
Reproductive potential for recovery: The average number of eggs deposited per adult female per year is >1000 eggs/female/year. Minimum age at which females are known or suspected to first reproduce is <2 years.
Range size in Australia: The size of the geographic area over which the taxon is distributed: 80,001-1,000,000 km² (up to 12% area of Australia or about the area of South Australia).
Distribution trend: Area occupied is stable or has increased. (This is an estimate of change in the portion of the total range that is occupied or utilised; it may not equal the change in total range.)
Knowledge of distribution in Australia: Broad range limits or habitat associations are known, but local occurrence cannot be predicted accurately.
References
Barker, J., G.C. Grigg and M.J. Tyler. 1995. A Field Guide to Australian Frogs. Surrey Beatty & Sons: Chipping Norton.
Cogger, H.G. 2000. Reptiles and amphibians of Australia. Reed Books: Sydney.